(Photo Supplied with Navy release)
By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Damon Haney, a native of Hookstown, Pennsylvania, was selected as a 2021 Commander, Navy Installations Command’s (CNIC) Shore Enterprise Sailor of the Year finalist.
CNIC announced the award during a ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy on board the historic Washington Navy Yard, May 11. Haney was one of four finalists for the award. The sailors competed in a final board that tallied traits in job performance, contributions to command climate, peer group involvement, educational accomplishments, physical fitness standards and participation in community service activities.
Haney joined the Navy 12 years ago.
“I joined to get out of my hometown and see the world,” said Haney.
Today, Haney serves as an air traffic controller at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River.
“The best part about air traffic control is like solving one big puzzle,” said Haney.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, Haney attended South Side Area School District and graduated in 2005. Today, Haney relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Hookstown to succeed in the military.
“I learned that a strong work ethic is a good place to start towards the achievement of your goals,” said Haney.
Located in Patuxent River, Maryland, NAS Patuxent River serves as a center for test and evaluation and systems acquisition relating to naval aviation.
Serving in the Navy means Haney is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by being ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to do the nation’s business,” said Haney.
Haney and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being selected as a finalist for CNIC Sailor of the Year, and the success of all the people in my life,” said Haney.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Haney, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy has provided me the opportunity to grow as a person, and see things that otherwise would never have been an option for me,” added Haney.